In Wyoming, a little girl reads people’s darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking. They’re called “brilliants,” and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way.

Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in—and betray his own kind.

From Marcus Sakey, “a modern master of suspense” (Chicago Sun-Times) and “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly), comes an adventure that’s at once breakneck thriller and shrewd social commentary; a gripping tale of a world fundamentally different and yet horrifyingly similar to our own, where being born gifted can be a terrible curse

First Thought when Finished: Brilliance read more like a screenplay than a novel.

Story Thoughts: Let me start with what I liked in Brilliance. The characters were good, the pacing was really good, and the story was easy to get lost in. This wasn’t a bad read but it wasn’t very original. This is kind of where the story went bad for me. I kept thinking I was listening to a screenplay for a season of Alphas. The only difference is that everyone knew about the Alphas. Also, I pretty much got annoyed every time the author threw in the following (not exact wording) “kick to the solar plexes, hit to the head, fall to the ground”. I wanted to say it barely works on screen while watching Robert Downey Jr, it doesn’t work in a book. I have a feeling that this book was written to be taken to movie or television screens. There wasn’t a lot of descriptive terms and the paragraph structure was choppy. Oddly enough I think this would work well on screen and I would go see it. I just wish the book had been written for novel readers.

Character Thoughts: Characters are where I think Brilliance shined. I really liked Cooper and was rooting for him from beginning to end. His partner Quinn was fantastic also and I liked their working relationship. I can’t really go into the rest of the characters without giving anything away. Let’s just say that I was impressed with many of the character arcs (even the ones that I was thrown by).

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Luke Daniels / Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Luke Daniels was awesome! Seriously I think he made me enjoy this book more than I would have otherwise. He put in emotion (even though it wasn’t noted) and gave the characters depth. I was super impressed with how much he brought to the story. As always please listen to a snippet of the audio before buying as narrators always work differently for each listener.

Final Thoughts: I’m not sure if this is a series but it is setup to be that way. There is no cliffhanger but the ending was open to other books. I’m not sure if I would continue though.

Felicia is just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! She can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. Her eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

During her non-reading time you can find her hanging with her rescue furr children named after book characters: Lizzie a beautiful cattle dog mix (Pound Pup), Cinder a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Pound Pup), and Minerva a beautiful Shep/Pitt mix (Foster Fail). Gathering with friends and family, attending conventions, watching movies/tv shows, rooting for the 49rs, and crocheting.

If you want to follow her DIY, Health, and Life adventures check out Mess to Best

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13 Responses to “Audiobook Review: Brilliance by Marcus Sakey”

This concept was great but I could not listen to something that sounds like a screen play. You made me laugh with the “kick to the solar plexes, hit to the head, fall to the ground” – yeah I don’t think this one is for me. Great review though 🙂Berls recently posted…Cover Reveal | Born of Deception

I love Luke Daniels! He does such a fabulous job with the Iron Druid Chronicles, but sometimes even a great performance can’t over come the writing; although I agree, an excellent narrator can make an average story enjoyable.Loupe Duffy recently posted…Cold Blooded Audiobook By Amanda Carlson (Review)

I would listen to this one even though I would probably agree with you about how it is written. Luke Daniels. He does make a great narrator! 🙂Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Throwback Thursday: Sweet Venom

Well that’s too bad Felicia! I’ve read one or two that definitely seem to be written for the screen and there’s something missing with them usually for me. I want them to write to bring the characters and story alive, not with a different endgame in mind. Hope your next book is amazing!Jenny recently posted…Review: Tandem

Sometimes I like stories that read like movies/TV but most of the time they fall flat, because they just don’t have the depth that I need. Great characters can make up for it a little bit, too.Mary recently posted…Speed Date with Evie: ENDLESS KNIGHT by Kresley Cole

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I am just your average gal from Texas that loves Audiobooks and Libraries with a passion! I can wine them, dine them, and love them forever. My eclectic reading tastes include: Cozy Mysteries, Thrillers, Swoon-Worthy Romance of all kinds, Zombies, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and the occasional YA read.

I'm an avid dog lover that works with rescues & transports. You can track my non-reading adventures here: Mess To Best)

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About Donna

I'm a tax preparer who loves to read. I've been reading historical romance and history for a very long time. Thanks to my Mom for handing down her Victoria Holt, Mary Stuart, et al when I was in junior high and my Dad who bought me any book I wanted. He believed along with the James Bond, I'd read the classics too. But the biggest thanks goes to my elementary school librarian who made sure we all had something we'd enjoy to read. For me, she picked Queen Elizabeth & the Spanish Armada and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hooked me for life!

I never knew reviews were so important until I was "dragged" onto Facebook and found many friends who feel like I do about books. Now, I post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes& Noble and sometimes NetGalley. With thanks to Felicia, I get to post my reviews on the Geeky Blogger.

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Just a Note:

I am not a professional reviewer. In fact all I am is an opinionated reader. I give my POV about the books I choose to read. Most books I love (that happens when you choose what you read) but occasionally one lets me down. It is never personal (towards the author, publishing house, or editor)–it is just my personal reading experience. So please read all my reviews with that in mind.